Warehouse to be dedicated to Bamse

Andrew Orr, chairman of Montrose Heritage Trust, holds up a small statue of Bamse outside Certex UK's new Montrose premises as the warehouse will be called Bamse House

Published:20:00

A new warehouse in Montrose will be dedicated Bamse - the famous Norwegian dog, who sailed with the navy in World War Two and is buried in the burgh.

Lifting equipment and steel wire rope supplier Certex UK is the latest company to invest in South Montrose by relocating in a new 36,000 square foot production and warehousing facility, which will cost the company £2 million over 10 years.

The company is moving into the old Rix building, on Cobden Street, which will be called Bamse House, as it is around 100 yards from the burial site of the Norwegian dog, which is situated in the sand dunes at the mouth of the River South Esk.

Managing director of Certex Kevin Smith had picked up on the Bamse story when visiting the town, and has since become a staunch fan of the heroic dog and his story.

The company liaised with Montrose Heritage Trust which commissioned the statue of Bamse at Wharf Street, which was erected in 2006.

Mr Smith said: “It is important for us to build strong relationships with the community that we operate in. We will ensure that the relationship between Certex and the Heritage Trust continues to be a strong one”

David Young, Certex general manager for Scotland, said: “We wanted to give the site a local connection.”

Certex donated £500 to help the Heritage Trust with funding events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the death of Bamse, to be held at Wharf Street on July 21.

Andrew Orr, chairman of Montrose Heritage Trust, said: “We are really pleased that Certex has decided to make such a significant investment in Montrose, and, of course, we are thrilled that they want to use the name of Bamse for their premises.

“It has always been the aim of the Trust to promote the Royal Burgh in differing ways, and this is a real advancement. We are extremely grateful that Certex is now making such a substantial donation towards the visit of the Royal Norwegian Navy to Montrose to mark the 70th anniversary of Bamse’s death and burial here. This is a very positive gesture to our community”.

Mr Smith added: “The offshore industry is a complex and ever-changing environment and we are making this key investment as a result of asking our customers what they want from us.

“We believe Montrose is the ideal location to expand our services and we are delighted to be part of the regeneration of the South Montrose area.

“Growth prospects for our business are very good and our investment will see us create up to 35 new jobs in Montrose over the next two years.”

Mr Young added: “The building is going to cost us £2 million over the next 10 years and we will have £500,000 worth of stock on the floor. We’re also hoping to take on apprentices.”

Angus Council’s development and enterprise convener Mairi Evans said: “I am delighted that Certex UK is expanding its operations in Montrose. This is the latest vote of confidence from the private sector in South Montrose and reflects the work that has been undertaken by the council and its partners to regenerate this area.

“Our vision was to attract investment, create new commercial opportunities and jobs to support and sustain the Montrose and wider Angus economy, and this is already coming to fruition.”

Full details of the major events being planned for Bamse’s 70th anniversary will be announced in next week’s Review.